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The Great “Free or Subsidised by my Council” Hunt
MSE_Martin
Posts: 8,268 Money Saving Expert
What's it about?
Whether it's council leisure centres and gyms at half the cost of private ones, free internet access in library, using your residents' permits to get access to car parks for less, or even grants for home insulation, local councils can save you cash.
It’s worth taking advantage as often it's your council tax cash being used to subsidise them.
What to do
So I wanted to tap MoneySavers for what council facilities you find it worth using and where.
Click reply to let us know.
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Whether it's council leisure centres and gyms at half the cost of private ones, free internet access in library, using your residents' permits to get access to car parks for less, or even grants for home insulation, local councils can save you cash.
It’s worth taking advantage as often it's your council tax cash being used to subsidise them.
What to do
So I wanted to tap MoneySavers for what council facilities you find it worth using and where.
Click reply to let us know.
[threadbanner]box[/threadbanner]
Martin Lewis, Money Saving Expert.
Please note, answers don't constitute financial advice, it is based on generalised journalistic research. Always ensure any decision is made with regards to your own individual circumstance.
Please note, answers don't constitute financial advice, it is based on generalised journalistic research. Always ensure any decision is made with regards to your own individual circumstance.
Don't miss out on urgent MoneySaving, get my weekly e-mail at www.moneysavingexpert.com/tips.
Debt-Free Wannabee Official Nerd Club: (Honorary) Members number 000
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Comments
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Waendel Lesuire Centre in wellingborough.
Free internet in Lancaster Library£1600 overdraft
£100 Christmas Fund0 -
Gloucestershire libraries all do up to 2 hours free internet /PC use to all members on a booking system. 15 minutes on non-bookable drop-in.Worse things will have happened in the world today..."The only thing that really matters, it to love and to be loved."0
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Oh, and Forest of Dean swimming pools offer free family swim sessions through the holidays. Get pretty busy, and only available for family groups, so no sending the kids on their own!Worse things will have happened in the world today..."The only thing that really matters, it to love and to be loved."0
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Yes there are lots of things that councils supply 'free' but remember, in the long run, the council tax payer pays for many of them. The portion paid by the council tax payer varies depending on where you live.
Most, not all,of those freebies are for pensioners,and those receiving benefits. So here goes.
Free parking in many areas for blue badge holders Nationwide and further
Bus passes Nationwide
Insulation for your home Cavity wall filling, loft insulation etc. Parts of Hampshire
back door collection of rubbish for infirm
Slippers, Hampshire
Safety aids for the house. eg. bath supports, railings for steps. Parts of Hampshire
For starters. I dare say that there are many more.
Mrs. M, Isitfair.0 -
Yes there are lots of things that councils supply 'free' but remember, in the long run, the council tax payer pays for many of them. The portion paid by the council tax payer varies depending on where you live.
Most, not all,of those freebies are for pensioners,and those receiving benefits.
Mrs. M, Isitfair.
That's a really good point:-
If more use the "free" services, then it could potentially increase council tax fees as they struggle to fund the new found enthusiasm for their "free" servcies!!!!
As eager moneysavers, we could be directly responsible for a higher bill :eek:
FJ"If you think things can't get worse it's probably only because you lack sufficient imagination."0 -
In Hertfordshire libraries you can borrow magazines for free.0
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In East Lothian:
If you're on benefits/disabled, etc., you can get a referral from CAB/Social Work/Visiting Nurse et alia to ELVON Furniture Recycling for free household goods (from chairs to washing machines and more).
As I understand it, they will deliver (£5 delivery charge) the free items you need as soon as they become available. Items supplied are donated to ELVON (2nd-hand and occasionally even new!) by local residents/businesses. The project is supported by East Lothian Council & Transforming Waste Scotland.
MORE on ELVONStill waiting for Dyson to bring out a ride-on hoover...Memberships:
Bad Alba Mothers Purchase Only Tanqueray0 -
Lots of councils offer cash back if you buy re-usable nappies. Although I've just discovered my local council (Warwickshire) is ending the scheme at the end of August :-(Go your own way..
Virtual sealed pot challenge member #1030 -
If you work for the council in Manchester you get further subsidised membership options for the council run leisure centres.0
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Liverpool City Centre library, you can get up to 3 one hour sessions a day if you're a member, or you can get up to a half hour session for free per day if you're not a member.0
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